Owen Farrell, the former captain of the England rugby team, has recently made headlines with his declaration that he is “not retired” from representing England. The announcement comes in light of his return to Saracens after a stint with Racing 92 in France, which significantly impacted his eligibility for selection. Previously, Farrell’s decision to join the French club kept him out of the picture for the national team due to England’s policy focusing on selecting players who regularly compete on home soil, with only a few exceptions granted.
Now that he has made his return to Saracens, the discussions regarding Farrell’s future in the England setup can regain momentum. Having last donned the iconic red rose jersey during the 2023 World Cup, his future on the international stage is once again speculative. Responding to inquiries from Sky Sports about the possibility of a comeback, Farrell stated, “Who knows?” emphasizing that his current priority lies in re-establishing himself at Saracens and reigniting his passion for the game.
Farrell shared his intentions: “The only point for me now at the minute is getting back here [Saracens] and loving what I’m doing.” This reflects a thoughtful approach to his career, focusing on personal satisfaction and performance before contemplating his role in the national team. The 33-year-old believes that by concentrating on his club commitments and striving for excellence at Saracens, he can position himself well for future endeavors, including a return to the England squad.
His early termination of the contract with Racing 92 came as a result of a challenging period marred by a hip injury and concussion issues. Although he is now back in England, some critics and fans may question whether Farrell has enough years left in his career to endure the physical demands of professional rugby. With a tour of Argentina on the horizon for the England team and key players being selected for the British & Irish Lions this summer, the organization might find itself in need of a dependable fly-half like Farrell.
While confirming his status, Farrell stated, “I’m not retired. But the only thing I’m looking at now is getting back to feeling good.” These words suggest that while he is not stepping away from the sport completely, his focus is on personal recovery and performance improvement before he considers a return to the international stage.
Farrell had previously taken a break from representing England due to mental health concerns. This decision, along with his move to France, transitioned from a temporary sabbatical to a more permanent absence. However, he expressed fondness for his experiences with the national team, positing that criticism should not overshadow the significant achievements and joy he derived from representing England. “I’ve loved my England career,” he noted, reflecting positively on both the camaraderie and impactful matches he experienced during his tenure.
As speculation continues regarding a potential England call-up, the timing of a selection for the upcoming British & Irish Lions tour remains uncertain. Coach Andy Farrell, Owen’s father, undoubtedly appreciates his son’s capabilities on the field, but uncertainty prevails. When asked about the possibility of him joining the Lions for their tour to Australia, Farrell pointedly remarked, “With everything, what I’m saying is my focus is to get myself right and get myself in a good place,” underscoring that his immediate concerns revolve around personal fitness rather than hypothetical selections.
In summary, Owen Farrell’s return to Saracens has sparked renewed interest in his potential to rejoin the England rugby team. With a self-described focus on recovery and performance, he aims to find a balance that could eventually lead to international duty once more, but for now, he remains dedicated to rejuvenating his love for the game at the club level. As he continues this journey, the rugby community will be keenly observing what the future holds for one of England’s most notable players.